Upscale beer bar eyeing Fayetteville

Friday

The upscale beer bar The Brass Tap is looking to expand its presence outside Florida. The Tampa-based company is pursuing growth in the Carolinas, with a focus on the northern state.

And Fayetteville, it appears, is seriously under consideration for a location.

"I would hope that we have one open next year," said Jean Baudrand said.

As the chief development officer for Brass Tap, Baudrand made it clear that he knows what sites are being discussed for Fayetteville. But he replied, "I don't want to talk about it," when asked if he were willing to share them.

Baudrand called North and South Carolina "really important markets for us." A Brass Tap is scheduled to open in Rock Hill, South Carolina, outside of Charlotte.

"Last year, North Carolina was one of the states that increased the most breweries. More than 35," he said. "That was the same number as Texas, California and Florida. It really is important for us. A lot of white collar employment for us."

Five years ago, Beef 'O'Brady's acquired the rights to franchise The Brass Tap. There are 45 establishments open, with 10 in Florida. A few operate in Arizona and Illinois.

The company anticipates having 60 to 65 of the businesses up and running by the end of the year, with that planned growth especially taking place in North Carolina.

According to publicity materials, The Brass Tap is "an upscale craft beer and wine bar celebrated for its more than 300 varieties of imports, local craft beers and a large selection of premium wines and cigars." Baudrand said they typically offer 60 craft beer taps, regional in nature. Overall, each location limits its domestic and international draft, bottle and can beers from 100 to 150.

The company was founded in Tampa in 2008.

The chain's beer bars provide an atmosphere heavily supported by sports TV and live music entertainment.

"Every day," Baudrand said, "you're going to find a new menu."

Tilted Kilt update

Meanwhile, construction continues on the Tilted Kilt pub and eatery off Skibo Road, on the premises of the Fayetteville Commons shopping center anchored by Burlington and Academy Sports+Outdoors. Duck Donuts, Metro Diner and Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom also are located in that retail center.

Tilted Kilt, a Celtic-themed sports bar and restaurant chain based in Tempe, Arizona, has been described as a Scottish Hooters.

Jerry Page is the general contractor superintendent for Player Construction, which is the contractor on the project. At this point, the electrical, plumbing and mechanical work are being installed on the building. Next week, he said, work will begin on the structure's exterior finish.

"We're shooting for about the end of August," he said of their projected completion date.

Page said he visited a Tilted Kilt in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Here's his review:

"The food was good. The atmosphere was good. I'm not a drinker. As far as what they serve, that's not my line. There are plenty of TVs inside the place, as far as someone sports oriented. I think it will do great here, just outside of Fort Bragg."

He did not mention the female employees clad in colorful kilts.

Staff writer Michael Futch can be reached at mfutch@fayobserver.com or 486-3529.

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